I was getting ready to bake 2 12" cakes and I used my flower nail in the center of one (to help bake evenly) and realized I didn't have anything for the second. So, I put on my thinking cap and then suddenly the light came on....I could use the removable core/base from my 6" angel food pan! It worked like a charm.

Hope this helps someone!


Deb

WOW! thanks Deb. I almost broke down and bought a heating core. If this works just as well then i'll have to give it a try

You're welcome! Let me know how it works for you

I've got a few Wilton 3D pans (for example: the bear pan). Every time I see the core to those pans, I wonder if it could be used for a heating core in other pans.

I'm not sure what those cores look like since I don't own any 3-D pans, but as long as they sit level and they are metal, I don't see why you couldn't use them.

Here's another tip.

Turn the heat down. Bake lower and slower. I NEVER use a heating core and I've been baking for 50 years. (Not a typo.) I tried the flower nail thing, and I thought it was just silly.

Thanks leah_s, good to know! How much lower...25 degrees?

Wow, Debi, that is ingenious
Thank you for the tip!
I am always in awe of how giving everyone on this site is, thanks again!
Cathy

You're very welcome Cathy! I agree...this is the best site ever and the members are what makes it!!!

i love my heating core - i have two and use them for 10inch cakes and up. if I need an extra one I use a tin can - some cake books i have use these for baking stuff like castle turrets etc so its the same theory - saying that they dont release the sponge quite as easily and you can only use them once but in an emergency they work great.

lowering the temp doesnt work for me - i think it just depends on the receipe - i use lindy smiths receipes and they are 3 inches deep and very dense and tend to burn and dry out on the sides and top before the middle is cooked so for me heating core, foil tent and wet towels take me an extra 5 minutes to prepare but ensure a well risen, moist, evenly baked cake - its just messing about enough to get something that works for you

Hadn't heard of using a tin can before. I will keep that in mind if I need an extra one sometime. Thanks!

yes at least 25 degrees.